House and Senate Democrats: ‘Tax-No-Treat’

DENVER—The scariest thing facing Colorado’s working families and small businesses this Halloween doesn’t go bump in the night, or fly around on a broom.

The spookiest thing in Colorado is the Democrats’ “Tax-No-Treat” agenda.

“Despite Democrat scare-tactics, the Republican majority in the House showed that we could have a responsible budget that respects working families and job creators without raising taxes” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.

When Democrats controlled the House and Senate they passed the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases, targeting businesses and families, including a tax increase on Halloween candy.

“Times are tough as it is.  But this Democrat tax increase means neighbors are still paying more to give the little goblins, pirates and princesses candy this Halloween,” McNulty added.  

Several Democrats, including Senate Pres. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, are now supporting Proposition 103, which will further increase taxes on all Coloradans.  According to the Associated Press, Colorado is the only state in the nation to have a tax increase on its ballot this year.  

“Democrats’ ‘Tax-no-Treat’ agenda would continue to hamstring our economy,” said McNulty. “The Democrat tax and spend agenda kills jobs and creates economic insecurity for families and small businesses. Their agenda defies common sense.”

McNulty added that House Republicans will continue to fight on the behalf of Colorado’s job creators and families, promising to reign in government spending without raising taxes on the backs of struggling Coloradans.

Last year, House Republicans successfully removed several of the Democrats’ onerous tax increases and blocked several mandates and regulations that would have made it more difficult for Colorado to emerge from this recession.

· Killing Small Businesses—Would have mandated specific wage and benefit requirements for certain businesses.  HB 11-1238

· Filling the Big Labor Treat Bag—Would have required certain state public works contractors to provide prevailing wages and fringe benefits to their workers. HB 11-1070

· Attacking Colorado Consumers—Would have forced manufacturers to pay a fee and implement recycling programs for certain electronic devices. HB 11-1052.

· Beverage Trick—Would have required consumers and beverage distributors to pay deposits on beverage containers and would have required distributors to fulfill certain registration and reporting requirements. HB 11-1247.

· Harassing School Districts—Would have required schools to satisfy expensive-energy efficient design conditions for new or redesigned buildings. HB 11-1204.

· Spending Limit—House Republicans passed a bill to create a Rainy Day Fund and reinstate the state spending limit that Democrats repealed in 2009. HB 1280.

· HOPE Act—House Republicans passed a bill to opt Colorado out of federal health care measures. HB 1273.

· Federal Balanced Budget Requirement—House Republicans passed a resolution calling on Congress to adopt a constitutional balanced budget requirement. HJR 1017.

· Regulation Limitations—House Republicans passed a bill to limit new regulations that increase the cost of conducting business in Colorado. HB 1044.

###

Looper Applauds Success of Veterans Court

DENVER—State Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan, praised the first graduates of El Paso County’s Veterans Treatment Court following a ceremony that took place Thursday afternoon.

Looper sponsored House Bill 1104 in 2010, which allowed the expansion of veterans courts across Colorado. The special court system sends veterans convicted with misdemeanors and certain felonies to treatment centers for drug and mental health problems instead of serving jail time.

“Post-traumatic stress disorder and drug abuse are often the result of a soldier’s sacrifice while fighting abroad. It is more important and beneficial that we help our servicemen and women, rather than sending them to jail,” said Looper. “I couldn’t be more proud of these graduates.”

Colorado Springs, home to Fort Carson, has seen a rise in veteran-related crimes since the Iraq War began in 2003. The U.S. Army deploys approximately 10,000 soldiers from Fort Carson overseas at any given time.

Six servicemen graduated from the treatment program, with another sixty veterans currently receiving treatment from the El Paso County Treatment Court in attendance.

“This celebration shows that Coloradans haven’t forgotten the sacrifice each soldier makes when they’re called to duty,” added Looper. “In just a year, this program has already proven its worth.”

###

House GOP Statement on Appointment of Boatright to the Supreme Court

DENVER—Gov. John Hickenlooper announced his appointed of First Judicial Court Judge Brian Boatright to the Colorado Supreme Court. 

House Judiciary chairman, Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, issued the following statement regarding Boatright’s appointment:

“Judge Boatright’s commitment to applying the law as intended by the legislature and his experience as a trial court judge are welcome attributes to the Court.  I congratulate Judge Boatright on his appointment to the Supreme Court, and wish him the best of luck in his service on the bench for the State of Colorado.”   

###

House GOP Concludes State Tour with Job Creators

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—House Republicans finished their Building a Better Colorado Tour today at a roundtable discussion on the economy and job creation with local small business owners. The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted the event.

 “We’ve met with job creators from across the state and have taken up their priorities as our own,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. “House Republicans understand that the road to economic prosperity for Coloradans begins by removing barriers to business and empowering job creators.”

The statewide listening tour began this past Wednesday with a visit to farmers and ranchers in Greeley and has since travelled across the Continental Divide and back again, visiting with leaders in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and members of the small business community.

“From day one, this tour was about jobs,” remarked State Rep. B.J. Nikkel. “We wanted to establish a clear and focused dialogue with Coloradans from every part of the state so we can work together and begin to build a better Colorado.”

###

House Republicans Visit Goodrich Brake Facility in Pueblo, Colo.

PUEBLO, Colo.—Earlier today, House Republicans took a tour of Goodrich’s Carbon Operations in Pueblo as one of the final stops on their statewide “Building a Better Colorado Tour.”

Goodrich manufactures braking systems using steel and carbon friction material for use on commercial, business and military aircraft. Their facility in Pueblo is one of their three carbon production facilities in the nation and one of two manufacturing sites in the state which supports hundreds of local jobs.

 “Colorado’s manufacturers represent a multibillion dollar industry that employs thousands in the state,” said state Rep. Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo.

“House Republicans will continue to work on behalf of businesses like Goodrich, whose employees help make our nation’s air transit system safer and more efficient every day.”

Manufacturers in Colorado generate approximately $18 billion annually in output and employ over 125,000 Coloradans across the state.

“In this economy, we look to our government leaders to support business growth. We’re thankful for leaders like Speaker McNulty and Keith Swerdfeger who understand this,” said Mike Grondalski, Vice President of Operations for Goodrich. 

After finishing their tour of the Goodrich facility, House Republicans took to the road again to meet with leaders in both business and education CSU-Pueblo.

###

House Republicans Meet with La Junta Residents

LA JUNTA, Colo.—House Republicans began the final day of their Building a Better Colorado Tour this morning with a town hall hosted at Otero Junior College. Area residents gathered to meet with Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, and House Majority Whip B.J. Nikkel on Colorado’s jobs and economy and to submit their own questions to the Republican leadership team.

“Colorado’s rural communities represent an integral part of our state’s economy,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland. “We recognize these communities are in no way immune to our state’s economic woes and will continue the fight together.”

In the past legislative session, rural constituencies heavily applauded a Republican measure to repeal the ‘Ag-Tax,’ one of the ‘dirty dozen’ tax increases Democrats passed when they controlled the state legislature. House Republicans have vowed to continue their work to lift burdensome regulations on Colorado’s job creators.

From La Junta, House Republicans will travel to Pueblo for a tour of Goodrich Aerospace’s manufacturing facility and a meeting with leaders in education and the business community at CSU-Pueblo.

###

House GOP Concludes Second Day of Building a Better Colorado Tour in Durango

DURANGO, Colo.—House GOP Leadership ended its second day of their Building a Better Colorado tour with a town hall at Christina’s Restaurant in Durango. 

At the town hall, citizens and community leaders expressed concerns about the flailing economy, and engaged in a discussion of how to best create jobs. 

“We have heard the same thing everywhere we go—government needs to get out of the way,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “In order to create jobs, we need to get rid of the burdensome regulations that are stifling growth for many of the state’s most important industries, like energy, tourism and agriculture.”

State Rep. J. Paul Brown, R-Ignacio, added:

“Times are tough for Coloradans, and fighting for jobs is my top priority as a state legislator.  I’m proud that the House leadership made it down to southwest Colorado.  It just shows the importance that the Republican leadership believes this community is to the rest of the state.”    

###

Speaker McNulty Statement on New Senate Leadership

DENVER—Today, state Senate Republicans elected their new leadership team for the 2012 legislative session. The election comes after Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp resigned earlier this week, so that he could devote more time and attention to his four children.

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, issued the following statement to congratulate the Senate’s new leadership team:

“Congratulations Sen. Cadman and the rest of the Senate Republican Caucus’s new leadership. I look forward to continuing our work to create jobs and build a better Colorado.”

###

House Republicans Meet with Leaders in Lumber Industry

MONTROSE, Colo.—House GOP members visited the largest remaining sawmill in Colorado today, as part of their Building a Better Colorado Tour. The delegation of Republican lawmakers toured the Intermountain Resources’ lumber mill in Montrose and met with the mill’s managers for a discussion on Colorado’s jobs and economy.

“Colorado's natural resources must be at the center of our economic recovery and Colorado's timber industry a centerpiece of that,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. “These mills provide a significant economic boost to Colorado’s rural communities and help safeguard Coloradans from the risk of wildfire and hazardous beetle-killed trees. We must fight to protect the livelihoods this industry supports.”

The few remaining lumber mills in Colorado currently suffer from a significant decline in demand for lumber—a result of the prolonged downturn in the housing market. At the same time, they struggle to meet the high prices for timber agreed upon in contracts negotiated with the U.S. Forest Services when the housing market was more robust.

The U.S. Forest Service recently allowed the cancellation of select, non-feasible timber contracts, but many mills still find themselves under contractual obligations and run the risk of shutting down for good.

“Having members from the House GOP visit our mill and listen to our needs is a sign of encouragement,” said Pat Donovan, of Cordes & Company, the court appointed receiver for Intermountain Resources LLC. “We’re moving forward but there’s still a lot of ground to cover before we can stabilize this industry and be assured that it will survive to continue providing jobs and aid in promoting forest health.”

Currently in Colorado, there are approximately 4 million acres of trees devastated by the mountain pine beetle infestation. Without a viable timber industry, the ability to combat this epidemic and reduce the risks of wildfire and its threats to our water and air quality is gravely diminished.

“We can save this industry and the jobs it provides,” remarked State Rep. Don Coram, a resident of Montrose. “Now is not the time to turn a blind eye to the ailings of our state’s job creators and small business owners, especially when doing so risks the health of our forests and surrounding communities.”

###

Second Day of Tour, House Republicans Talk Jobs on Western Slope

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—House Republicans kicked off the second day of their Building a Better Colorado Tour by hosting a town hall at Colorado Mesa University and taking a tour of Haliburton’s bit service manufacturing facility.

“The Building a Better Colorado Tour shows the House Majority is serious about job creation” said David Ludlam, Executive Director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association. “No one is better at creating jobs than Western Colorado’s energy sector, and we’re pleased to showcase member companies who are doing just that.”

The visit to the university marks the first official visit to the college after its recent name change. In the last legislative session, state Rep. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction, carried a bill changing the institution’s name from Mesa State College to Colorado Mesa University.

Following a dialogue with area residents that focused largely on jobs and the economy, members of the House Republican Leadership took a tour of Haliburton’s manufacturing facility for more ideas on how they could facilitate job and economic growth in the area.

“The oil and gas industry in Colorado supports the livelihoods of thousands across the state,” remarked State Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland. “Oil and gas is an invaluable economic engine here in Colorado, and House Republicans are working hard to ensure these jobs stay in the state for years to come.”

###

House Republicans Visit Loveland Ski Area

GEORGETOWN, Colo.—As part of their Building a Better Colorado Tour, House Republicans visited Loveland Ski Area today to meet with members of Colorado’s ski industry and talk about the important role tourism plays in our state.

Members of House Republican Leadership met to discuss the importance of Colorado’s ski industry and how best to foster growth in Colorado’s tourism sector.

“We are blessed to live in a state that offers so much outdoor attraction to both the residents of Colorado and visitors from around the world,” said state Rep. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson. “Protecting and creating jobs in this industry allows us to share Colorado’s beauty with the rest of the world in way that directly impacts the livelihoods of communities and individuals across the state.”

Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade estimates that nearly 143,700 residents of Colorado are employed in tourism-related jobs, while direct tourism spending in the state amounts to more than $15 billion annually.

“We’re excited to see lawmakers as enthusiastic about growing Colorado’s ski and tourism industry as we are,” said Melanie Mills, the President and CEO of Colorado Ski Country. “Colorado’s ski industry is a robust economic engine for the state and we’re happy to work with House members to ensure this sector remains strong.”

House Republicans’ visit to the 75-year-old ski resort comes as the third stop on their statewide Building a Better Colorado listening tour.

###

House GOP Encourages Coloradans to Donate Food During Their Building a Better Colorado Tour

ARVADA, Colo.—Colorado House Republicans announced their efforts to encourage Coloradans to donate nonperishable food items to their local food pantries on the second stop on their Building a Better Colorado Tour today. 

“Coloradans are generous people,” said State Rep. Libby Szabo, R-Arvada.  “We’re asking Coloradans to join us in donating food to those who have been hit hardest during this recession, especially as we head into the holiday season.”

Republican House members brought food donations and worked with volunteers to stock shelves with new donations. 

“Thanksgiving is just around the corner and many of us have a lot to be grateful for.  But not all our neighbors will have an opportunity for a family thanksgiving dinner without your help,” said Ernie Giron, executive director of the Arvada Community Food Bank. 

Giron added the following items are especially needed during the holiday season:

Canned pumpkin pie puree, pie crust mix, canned fruit, cake mix, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, potato flakes, canned vegetables, turkey and hams.

Giron also encouraged people make donations for the  “Stop’n Drop Thanksgiving Food Drive” on Sat.,  Nov. 5^th at the Arvada Community Food Bank, 8555 W. 57th Avenue, Arvada, Colo.  Donations are accepted between 9:00 AM—12:00 Noon. 

Coloradans outside of Arvada are encouraged to donate food to their local food banks as well.

“Donating food is one of the most meaningful ways to help in our communities,” added Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “Whether you donate a can of green beans, a jar of peanut butter or a Thanksgiving turkey, whatever you can give will help build a better Colorado.” 

###

House GOP’s Building a Better Colorado Tour Kicks off in Greeley

GREELEY, Colo.—Colorado state House and Senate Republicans met with members of the agricultural community today, the first stop on their Building a Better Colorado Tour. 

“It’s no accident that we kicked off our Building a Better Colorado Tour in rural Colorado,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty.  “Farmers and ranchers are integral players in our state’s economy. “

Last year, under the leadership of House Republicans, several measures were passed to help Colorado’s farmers and ranchers succeed, including House Bill 11-1005, which repealed the “ag tax” one of the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases Democrats imposed on the citizens and jobs creators of Colorado.    HB 11-1005 removed the Democrat “ag tax” on the sales of pesticides and agricultural production compounds. 

“One of the most important pieces of legislation to help the agricultural community was the repeal of the ‘ag tax,’” said Gary Henrickson of the Colorado Livestock Association.  “When the ‘ag tax’ was first imposed, it made the agricultural community the only industry in the state that had to pay a tax on inputs.  We’re thankful for leaders like those in the Majority caucus who took the time to meet with us today and hear our concerns about jobs, government regulations and water.”

McNulty added:

“House Republicans are committed to creating jobs and building a better Colorado however we can.  Repealing the ‘ag tax’ was a good first step.”

###